Solihull Hospital and Community Services NHS

23/06/2026

23/06/2026

We know it can be tempting to cool off in one of the region's many canals, lakes, reservoirs and rivers.

Remember:
🛟 keep children supervised at all times near water
❌ never enter water after drinking alcohol
🏊 avoid swimming in rivers, lakes, canals and reservoirs
✅ if you get into difficulty, follow the West Midlands Fire Service, Float to Live guidance.

22/06/2026

It's going to be 𝑯𝑶𝑻 over the next few days, and while we all love a bit of sunshine, the heat can catch you out quicker than you think. 🥵

Remember to:
💧 Drink plenty of water (and go easy on the alcohol).
🧴 SPF 30+, hat, sunglasses and shade — especially between 11:00–15:00.
🏃 Save workouts and outdoor jobs for cooler times of day.
🏡 Keep blinds closed in sunny rooms and open windows when it cools down.
❤️ Check in on older neighbours, friends and family.

12/06/2026

Elmdon unit rose to the occasion — turns out raising dough is easy when you’ve got the right batter of support! 🍰

A huge congratulations to colleagues on the Elmdon unit who raised an incredible £309.52 with their cake stall yesterday at Solihull Hospital.

These much needed funds will go towards items and initiatives that are above and beyond for our patients 🌟

12/06/2026

Would you like to reconnect with former NHS colleagues and make new friends?

The next meeting of the Solihull NHS Retirement group is taking place Monday 15 June 2-3.30pm in the Education Centre at Solihull Hospital.

All are welcome who have worked in the NHS in Solihull and surrounding areas ♥️

We’d love to see you there! 💬

12/06/2026

“I take pride in standing back at the end of a project and seeing the difference we’ve made.”

Paul Robinson is a Building Estates Officer at Solihull Hospital.

Starting his career as an apprentice carpenter joiner, Paul worked his way through various roles before moving into self-employment, managing fit-outs and new builds for major companies such as Aston Martin and Rolls Royce.

He joined UHB in 2023 to support Solihull Hospital for what was meant to be six weeks – but quickly found a sense of purpose and has remained ever since.

In our latest ‘We are UHB’ blog, ahead of Healthcare Estates and Facilities Day, Paul speaks about his journey, his determination to overcome challenges – including a life-changing accident – and how working in the NHS gives him the opportunity to give back while being part of a close-knit, supportive team.

11/06/2026

𝗔𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗿𝗼𝗯𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗮𝘁 𝗦𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗵𝘂𝗹𝗹 𝗛𝗼𝘀𝗽𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗹 🥳 🤖

The first robotic-assisted Cytoreductive Surgery (CRS) combined with Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) has been delivered marking a major milestone in the delivery of advanced cancer care. The procedure makes Solihull Hospital only the second centre in the UK to offer this highly specialised treatment using a robotic approach.

CRS and HIPEC is used to treat cancers that have spread within the abdominal cavity, including to the peritoneum and surrounding organs. Traditionally, the treatment is undertaken through open surgery, which can be associated with significant physiological stress and a prolonged recovery. The robotic-assisted approach offers surgeons enhanced precision and visualisation, with potential benefits including reduced blood loss, less post-operative pain, smaller incisions and a shorter hospital stay.

Patient Marie, was treated for goblet cell adenocarcinoma of the appendix. She has made an excellent recovery following surgery and was discharged home on day five.

Mr Umar Shariff, Consultant Peritoneal Surgeon, said:
“We are delighted to have performed the first robotic CRS and HIPEC procedure at Solihull Hospital. This approach enables us to deliver highly complex cancer surgery with improved precision and visualisation while reducing the physical impact on patients and supporting faster recovery.”

A big thank you to all colleagues involved in delivering the procedure, including Mr Sofoklis Panteleimonitis, Specialist Robotic Surgeon, Dr Ashok Nair, CRS Anaesthetist and the theatre 11 and ward teams 🌟

05/06/2026

Happy Volunteers Week 2026! 🎉

Meet Kulsum, volunteer for Wards 18 and 19.

Kulsum has been volunteering for almost eight years, and can often be found making tea and chatting with patients. Having two children who are profoundly deaf, Kulsum was inspired to help others that are also hard of hearing.

“The staff are always really nice and friendly, and they really appreciate me.”

“I like to think I have a good heart, and I want to make other people happy. I often see patients on the ward who are sad, and I like talking to them and helping them.”

“I wanted to be a nurse when I was younger, but I wasn’t able to – now I can volunteer and help people in the hospital.”

Thank you for your compassion and generosity, Kulsum ♥️

05/06/2026

Happy Volunteers Week 2026! 🎉

Meet Kusum who is a volunteer on Ward 20B.

Kusum has been volunteering for seven years and loves talking to people and cheering up their day.

Kusum said: "Sometimes I see patients who don't look happy. Or dementia patients who are confused and frustrated.

"I like to help them in anyway I can, even if it's just listening, or helping with drinking and eating."

Thank you Kusum for being so patient and kind, you epitomise our values. ♥️

04/06/2026

Happy Volunteers Week 2026! 🎉

We wanted to give a big shout out to all the volunteers and introduce you to a few…

Say hi to Carol, guiding and assisting patients at the north entrance 👋

Carol has been volunteering for nearly 15 years, and previously worked as a nurse at Selly Oak Hospital when she was eighteen. After marrying and having three children, she felt it was too late to get back into nursing at the time, and now volunteers here at Solihull.

“I love the interaction and I love being useful; I need to help people. You’re helping people but you’re also helping yourself.”

You're an inspiration Carol - thank you for all you do for our hospital.